NW premier worried by protest instigators

Johannesburg - North West premier Thandi Modise on Thursday expressed concern at allegations that councillors instigated protests near Lichtenburg.

Reports that some Ditsobotla local municipality councillors and municipal officials instigated the violence that had erupted in Bodibe and Itsoseng township outside Lichtenburg was worrying, she said in a statement.

“The allegations that expanded public works programme beneficiaries have been coerced to participate in the anarchy is worrying and also needs to be investigated.”

She urged police to leave no stone unturned to unmask those behind the criminality which had resulted in roads being blockaded, shops looted, and the destruction of private and public property.

“Plunging communities into mayhem without regard for the rule of law and/or following engagement processes to further narrow personal interests is not only myopic but reactionary,” Modise said.

Modise and members of the executive council intervention task team are scheduled to engage residents regarding the unrest and provincial intervention at the Itsoseng Stadium on Friday.